Tension is palpable around the port of Donostia as the annual event for most rowers approaches: the La Concha Regatta. Today, at 6:00 PM, the time trial will begin, featuring 24 competing boats vying for one of the seven coveted spots that will allow them to participate in the two upcoming Sunday races.
The participants are divided into two groups: Group A, consisting of eleven boats competing in the Eusko Label Liga (with the exception of Donostiarra, which is already directly qualified); and Group B, made up of twelve other boats from the KAE 1 and KAE 2 Leagues.
The starting order for Group A in the first heat will be: Urdaibai, Ares, Lekittarra, Chapela, Zierbena, Hondarribia, Deustu, Orio, Getaria, San Juan, Santurtzi, and Ondarroa.
After these twelve boats depart, it will be the turn of Group B, in the following order: Mutriku, Castropol, Tiran, Samertolameu, Zarautz, San Pedro, Cabo, Hibaika, Lapurdi, Kaiku, Zumaia, and Castro.
Orio, Zierbena, and Urdaibai are among the main favorites, as is Hondarribia. The latter has been having an exceptional season in the Euskotren Liga, currently in fifth place with 152 points, and its patron, Ioseba Amunarriz, has won the best patron award. According to experts, Lekittarra and Ondarroa also have strong chances.
Regarding the other regional boats, there are mixed opinions about what San Juan will achieve. They are in tenth place with 67 points, and despite facing difficulties, some believe they could cause a surprise. Hibaika and San Pedro will head out to sea aiming to perform at their best.
Regarding the weather, calm conditions are expected, with the sea being calm, waves of half a meter, and little wind.
